Removable lens frame mounted to an eyewear platform

ABSTRACT

Eyeglasses having a lens frame removably attached to an eyewear platform using different attachment devices such as magnets, clips, or other attachment devices that provide effective resistance from said lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform. This eyewear allows the user to quickly and easily change lenses or sunglasses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to eyewear and eyeglasses and a method ofusing said eyewear and eyeglasses, which provide a lens frame removablyattached to an eyewear platform with magnets or other attachmentdevices. By allowing removable attachment of the lens frame to aneyewear platform, the user will be able to maximize his or her abilityto change lenses depending on the need and/or situation.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] Prior to the present invention, auxiliary eyewear attachments,which connect to primary or conventional eyeglasses with magnets orclips, allow the user to convert a pair of conventional eyeglasses tosunglasses and to avoid the need for an additional pair of prescriptionsunglasses. This auxiliary eyewear can also be used to change theprescription of the lenses on the primary eyewear. Many current designsattach auxiliary eyewear using magnets or clips at various locations ona pair of conventional or primary eyeglasses.

[0005] However, there are several disadvantages to mounting an auxiliaryset of lenses to conventional eyeglasses, which already have their ownset of lenses. First, there is the additional and extra weight of theauxiliary lenses. Even with the advent of plastic lenses, the additionalweight of another frame and another set of lenses may distract and causesome irritation to the user.

[0006] Second, since there are two sets of lenses, having two sets oflenses so close to one another can cause a glare or reflection. Thisreflection or glare can be quite annoying and can partly defeat the useof sunglasses to reduce glare and to improve the sight of the user.

[0007] Third, the space or separation between the two lenses may causesome distraction to the field of vision of the user. Many current stylesof sunglasses have smaller or narrow lenses. Because the field of visionthrough these lenses is smaller than through larger lenses, whenauxiliary lenses are attached to the primary or conventional eyewear,the user may see the difference between the two sets of lenses. Thisdifference can be quite distracting to the user.

[0008] Fourth, people, who do not require prescription glasses, wouldnot practically use these current auxiliary eyewear attachments withoutglasses. They would not be able to take advantage of the ability toswitch the color of their sunglasses.

[0009] The claimed invention avoids the above problems and providessignificant advantages with a new apparatus and method for attaching aremovable lens frame to an eyewear platform. In the applicant'sinvention, the lenses themselves are removable from the eyewear platformso that the user can easily change lenses and only needs to wear onlyone set of lenses at a time. By only using one set of lenses in thiseyewear, there is reduced weight, no glare or reflection between lenses,and no distraction in the field of vision with the applicant'sinvention. In addition, since there is only one set of lenses, it iseasier for the user to keep these lenses clean. Further, by using thesame eyewear platform as a base to attach different lenses, the user isable to employ one eyewear apparatus that allows for a multiple anddifferent types of lenses and that can be changed easily and quickly.This instant eyewear apparatus is also comfortable to wear and easy touse. Keeping a small case with different types of lenses is easier totransport than several boxes of different eyewear. Finally, instead ofhaving several different pairs of conventional glasses, the user mayhave substantial savings in cost by having different sets of lenses forone eyewear platform.

[0010] This invention allows the user to maximize the different kinds ofeyewear available according to his or her need. For example, the usercan easily change from reading lenses for fine print to sunglasses.Also, people, who do not need prescription lenses, can change the colorof their sunglasses depending on their particular need or situation. Forexample, the user may require yellow lenses for driving in themountains, but gray lenses for fishing or boating on a bright sunny day.

[0011] Also, this invention allows for effective and easy replacement ofsafety glasses and eyewear. By allowing for removable attachment of alens frame with safety lenses, it is possible for the user to easilywear and to change safety lenses after these lenses become dirty,scratched, or broken. Because only the lens frame is being replaced, theuser will save money in simply replacing this lens frame instead of theentire safety eyewear.

[0012] In addition, this eyewear apparatus also provides the ability tochange lenses quickly but also provides a stable and effectiveattachment to provide effective resistance to the lens frame frombecoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform.

[0013] From the preceding descriptions, it is apparent that the devicescurrently being used have significant disadvantages or limitations.Thus, important aspects of the technology used in the field of inventionremain amenable to useful refinement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to provide eyewear and amethod that provides a lens frame removably attached to an eyewearplatform with magnets, clips, snaps, clasps, hooks or other attachmentdevices that effectively prevent the removable lens frame from becominginvoluntarily detached from the eyeglass platform. In the preferredembodiment of the invention, the removable lens frame is attached to theeyewear platform by at least one magnet.

[0015] In other embodiments of the invention, the removable lens framecan be connected to the eyewear platform with non-magnetic attachments.Also, the lens frame can be removably connected to the eyewear platformwith a combination of magnetic and nonmagnetic attachments.

[0016] The present invention introduces such refinement. In itspreferred embodiments, the present invention has several aspects orfacets that can be used independently, although they are preferablyemployed together to optimize their benefits. All of the foregoingoperational principles and advantages of the present invention will bemore fully appreciated upon consideration of the following detaileddescription, with reference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of theapplicant's removable lens frame and eyewear platform, where the lensframe is mounted below the eyewear platform.

[0018]FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 3 shows a side view of another embodiment of the inventionwhere the appendage socket magnet fits partially within a depression ofthe temple socket.

[0020]FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of theapplicant's removable lens frame and eyewear platform, where the lensframe is mounted above the eyewear platform.

[0021]FIG. 5 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0022]FIG. 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the inventionwhere the second contact surface of the appendage socket magnet contactsthe first contact surface of the temple socket magnet within adepression of the temple socket.

[0023]FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of theinvention where the temple socket and appendage sockets are alignedvertically.

[0024]FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of theinvention where the appendage prong is aligned to contact the verticallyaligned temple socket.

[0025]FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of theinvention where the temple socket, which is in the shape of a prong, isaligned to contact the vertically aligned appendage socket.

[0026]FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of the platform arm prong of FIG. 9.

[0027]FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of horizontally mounted appendageprong on the lens frame to be mounted to a temple socket on the eyewearplatform.

[0028]FIG. 12 shows a side view of the horizontally mounted appendageprong of FIG. 11.

[0029]FIG. 13 shows a side view of a “top mount” of the lens frame ontop of the eyewear platform at the nose bridge.

[0030]FIG. 14 shows a side view of a “bottom mount” of the lens frame ontop of the eyewear platform at the nose bridge.

[0031]FIG. 15 shows a side view of a U-shaped attachment on the eyewearplatform to connect to a central portion on the lens frame.

[0032]FIG. 16 shows a side view of a U-shaped attachment on the lensframe to connect to a central portion on the eyewear platform.

[0033]FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of theinvention where the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewearplatform using magnets.

[0034]FIG. 18 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

[0035]FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of theinvention where the lens frame is removably attached to the top of theeyewear platform using magnets.

[0036]FIG. 20 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 19.

[0037]FIG. 21 shows a side view of another embodiment of FIG. 17.

[0038]FIG. 22 shows a side view of another embodiment of the inventionwhere the eyewear bridge is removably attached over the top of the lensframe with magnets.

[0039]FIG. 23 shows a side view of another embodiment of the inventionwhere the lens frame is removably attached to the underside of theeyewear platform using a plurality of magnets.

[0040]FIG. 24 shows a side view of another embodiment of the inventionwhere the lens frame is removably attached to the underside of theeyewear platform using a plurality of magnets.

[0041]FIG. 25 shows an exploded view of another embodiment where thelens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform with clips andwithout magnets.

[0042]FIG. 26 shows an exploded view of another embodiment where thelens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform with a plug andchannel connection device.

[0043]FIG. 27 is a side view of another embodiment of the inventionwhere the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform usingmagnets.

[0044]FIG. 28 is a side view of another embodiment of the inventionwhere the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform usingmagnets.

[0045]FIG. 29 is a side view of another embodiment where the lens framereaches over the eyewear bridge to removably attach to the eyewearplatform using magnets.

[0046]FIG. 30 is a side view of another embodiment where the lens framereaches under the eyewear bridge to removably attach to the eyewearplatform using magnets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there are illustrated eyeglasses 5 with alens frame 10 removably attached and connected to an eyewear platform15.

[0048] Lens Frame

[0049] The lens frame 10 has at least one lens 20, as shown in FIGS. 17and 19. FIG. 1 shows a lens frame housing two lenses 20. The lens frame10 can either encompass the entire lens as shown in FIG. 1, or the lensframe 10 can be attached to only one part of the lens circumference 25.At the terminal ends of the lens frame 10 are terminal lens frame ends30. Each of the terminal lens frame ends 30 has an appendage 35. Theappendages 35 as shown in FIG. 1 curve and bend to align with the templeextensions 40 of the eyewear platform 15. The appendages 35 furthercomprise an appendage socket 45; the appendage sockets 45 have a firstappendage socket surface 50 and a second appendage socket surface 55.The appendage socket 45 can be aligned and mounted in various positionson the lens frame 10, including being mounted horizontally (FIGS. 1-6)or vertically (FIG. 7).

[0050] The appendage socket 45 further comprises at least one magnet 60.This magnet 60 can be situated in a variety of different locations onthe appendage socket 45; said magnet 60 has a magnet contact surface 65.FIGS. 1-6 show the magnet 60 lies within and is surrounded by theappendage socket 45; the magnet contact surface 65 can lie flush witheither the first or second appendage socket surfaces 50, 55. Also, themagnet 60 may lie above the appendage socket surfaces 50, 55 to createanother elevation 70 on said appendage socket 45. The magnet 60 may alsolie below the appendage socket surfaces 50, 55 to create an appendagesocket depression 75. Additionally, there can be multiple magnets in theappendage socket 45. Further, the magnets do not need to be surroundedby the appendage socket 45.

[0051] Eyewear Platform

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the eyewear platform 15 has anelongated shape. The eyewear platform 15 includes two temple extensions40, which are capable of being placed over a user's ears, and a bridgeportion 77, which is pivotally connected to each of the templeextensions 40, wherein the bridge portion 77 is capable of resting on auser's nose to permit the eyewear platform 15 to be worn by a user. Theeyewear platform 15 also has platform arms 80 located at the ends of theeyewear platform 15. These platform arms 80 can curve and bend to mimicthe appendages 35 on the lens frame 10 and to align with the templeextensions 40 such that the lens frame 10 will properly fit against theeyewear platform 15. Both the appendages and the platform arms 80 canprovide a mounting surface for the various attachment devices, such asmagnets, clips, clasps, snap, hook, and straps for the invention. Forexample, in FIG. 1, the platform arm 80 further comprises a templesocket 85, which has a first temple socket surface 90 and a secondtemple socket surface 95. The temple socket 85 can be aligned andmounted in various positions on the platform arm, including beingmounted horizontally (FIGS. 1-6) or vertically (FIG. 7).

[0053] The temple socket 85 further comprises at least one magnet 100.This magnet 61 can be situated in a variety of different locations onthe temple socket 85; said temple socket magnet 100 has a magnet contactsurface 105. FIGS. 1-6 show the temple socket magnet 100 lies within andis surrounded by the temple socket 85; the magnet contact surface 105can lie flush with either the first or second temple socket surfaces 90,95. Also, the magnet 100 may lie above the temple socket surfaces 90, 95to create another elevation 110 on said temple socket. The magnet 100may also lie below the temple socket surfaces 90, 95 to create a templesocket depression 115. Additionally, there can be multiple magnets inthe temple socket. Further, the magnets do not need to be completelysurrounded by the temple socket 85.

[0054] The eyewear platform 15 can also have a single or a pair of nosepads 120, 120′ attached to a midpoint 125 on the eyewear platform 15.The temple 40 can also be adjustably connected to the platform arms 80with a variety of different adjustable connections 130 such as a spring,a hinge, or a joint can be used.

[0055] Attachment of Lens Frame to Eyewear Platform

[0056] To attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15, themagnet 100 in the temple socket 85 is oriented to couple, to mate, andto contact the magnet 60 in the appendage socket 45 such that themaximum magnetic attractive force along an axis 135 of said magnets 60and 100; in FIGS. 1-3, this axis 135 is oriented vertically parallel tothe lens frame 10. The temple socket magnet 100 engages and mates withthe appendage socket magnet 60 to provide an effective resistance fromsaid lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from saideyewear platform 15. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-24, magnets areused to removably attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15.

[0057] To achieve the maximum attractive force, the magnets in theappendage and the temple sockets 85 need to be aligned along the sameaxis 135. By orienting, mating, coupling, and contacting both the templesocket magnet 100 and the appendage socket magnets 60 together along thesame axis, the user can maximize the magnetic attractive force. Thus, aslong as the temple socket magnet 100 is aligned, coupled, or mated withthe appendage socket magnet 60, then these magnets can be placed atvirtually a myriad of angles and positions on the lens frame and theeyewear platform. As a result, the magnet axis 135 will change accordingto the mounting angle of the magnets.

[0058] Additionally, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-24, there areat least two magnets mated and paired with one another. In thealternative, this invention is not limited to having two magnets matedand paired with one another. This mounting of the lens frame to theeyewear platform can be accomplished with only one magnet on either thelens frame or the eyewear platform. This single magnet can magneticallyattach to a corresponding metallic surface.

[0059] In addition to the different angles of mounting the magnets onthe appendage and temple sockets, the mounting of the lens framerelative to the eyewear platform can be changed. FIGS. 1-3 show the lensframe 10 mounted below the eyewear platform 15. FIG. 2 shows the secondtemple socket surface 95 and the contact surface 107 of temple socketmagnet 100 making contact against the first appendage socket surface 50and the first contact surface 65 of the appendage socket magnet 60 sothat said magnets 100 and 60 are aligned to provide effective resistancefrom said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from saideyewear platform 15. FIG. 3 shows the first contact surface of theappendage socket magnet 60 making contact with the second contactsurface of the temple socket magnet 100 within the depression 115 of thetemple socket 85. The temple socket depression 115 or a similarappendage depression socket allows for some greater resistance fromhorizontal or side-to-side displacement.

[0060] Alternatively, FIGS. 3 through 6 show the lens frame 10 mountedabove the eyewear platform 15. FIG. 5 shows the second contact surface67 of the appendage socket magnet 60 and the second surface 55 of theappendage socket 45 making contact with the first contact surface 107 ofthe temple socket magnet 100 and the first temple socket surface 95 sothat said magnets are aligned providing effective resistance from saidlens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewearplatform. FIG. 6 shows the second contact surface 67 of the appendagesocket magnet 60 making contact with the first contact surface 105 ofthe temple socket magnet within a temple socket depression 115. Thetemple socket depression 115 or a similar appendage depression socketallows for some greater resistance from horizontal or side-to-sidedisplacement. Additionally, the magnet contact surfaces that are notbeing used can be covered with a protective covering, coating, or paint.

[0061] Lateral Attachments at the Temples

[0062] Outside Position

[0063]FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the invention where theappendage 35 of the lens frame 10 and the temple socket 85 of theeyewear platform 15 are oriented at a different angle than theembodiments in FIGS. 1 through 6. FIGS. 1 through 6 have the appendageand the temple socket horizontally mounted, but FIG. 7 shows theappendage and the temple socket vertically mounted. The appendage andthe temple socket can be mounted at different angles so long as themagnets are aligned respective to one another to provide effectiveresistance from said lens frame from becoming involuntarily detachedfrom the eyewear platform or as long as the maximum amount of contact ofthe magnets in both the appendage and temple socket is maintained. Byorienting, mating, and contacting both the temple socket magnet 100 andthe appendage socket magnet 60 together along the same magnet axis, theuser can maximize the magnetic attractive force. The appendage socket 45and the temple socket 85 can be in different shapes, including circles,square, rectangles, or ovals.

[0064]FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the invention where the secondcontact surface 67 of the appendage socket magnet and the secondappendage socket surface 55 are aligned to contact the first contactsurface 105 of the temple socket magnet 100 and the first temple socketsurface 90 so that said magnets are aligned providing effectiveresistance from said lens frame from becoming involuntarily detachedfrom said eyewear platform. In this embodiment, to properly attach thelens frame to the eyewear platform, the magnets in both the appendagesocket and the template socket should preferably align along a commonmagnet axis to achieve the best magnetic connection.

[0065] Inside Position

[0066] In addition, in another embodiment of the invention, the secondcontact surface 107 of the temple socket magnet 100 and the secondtemple socket surface 95 are aligned to contact the first appendagesocket magnet surface 65 and the first appendage socket surface 50 sothat said magnets 60 and 100 are aligned providing effective resistancefrom said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from saideyewear platform 15. As described, the appendage socket 45 and thetemple socket 85 can be placed at different positions relative to oneanother: inside or outside positions.

[0067] Prong Attachment at Temples

[0068]FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention where theappendage 35 of the lens frame 10 further comprises an appendage prong140, which has an appendage prong surface 145 and a plurality of prongdigits 150. FIG. 8 shows two prong digits 150, but the appendage prongsurface 145 can have more than two prong digits 150. The appendage prongsurface 145 has at least one magnet 60. This magnet 60 can be flush withthe appendage prong surface 145 or can be placed at a lower or higherelevation with respect to the appendage prong surface 145.

[0069]FIG. 8 also shows a platform arm extension 155 with at least oneplatform arm extension surface 160 and at least one magnet 100, whichcan contact the surface 160 of the platform arm extension 155. The prongdigits 150 form a space 151 within the appendage prong 140 to allow theplatform arm extension 155 to fit securely between the prong digits 150.

[0070] To attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15 for thisembodiment, at least one magnet 60 on said appendage prong 140 is matedand aligned with at least one magnet 100 on said platform arm extensionsurface 160 such that these magnets 60 and 100 are aligned to provideeffective resistance from the lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarilydetached from the eyewear platform 15.

[0071]FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the invention where theplatform arm 80 further comprises a platform arm prong 165, which has aplatform arm prong surface 170 and a plurality of prong digits 150. FIG.9 and 10 show two prong digits 150, but the platform arm prong surface170 can have more than two prong digits 150. The platform arm prongsurface 170 has at least one magnet 100; FIG. 10 shows each prong havinga magnet 100. Magnet 100 can be flush with the platform arm prongsurface 170 or at a lower or higher elevation with respect to theplatform arm prong surface 170.

[0072]FIG. 9 also shows the appendages 35 with appendage sockets 45 withat least one magnet 60. Like the previous embodiments described above,the appendage socket 45 has a first appendage socket surface 50 and asecond appendage socket surface 55. This magnet 60 can be located at ornear both of the first and second appendage socket surfaces 45, 50. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the magnet 60 will be able to contactboth magnets 100 on the platform arm prong surface. The prong digits 150form a space 152 within the platform arm prong surface 170 to allow theappendage socket 45 to fit securely between the prong digits 150.

[0073] To attach the lens frame to the eyewear platform for thisembodiment, at least one magnet 100 on said platform arm prong is matedand aligned with at least one magnet 60 on said appendage socket suchthat these magnets 60 and 100 are aligned to provide effectiveresistance from the lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detachedfrom the eyewear platform 15.

[0074] Horizontal Prong on Temples

[0075]FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment of the invention where anappendage prong 140 is located and oriented horizontally as compared tothe vertical placement of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 through 10.This horizontally mounted appendage prong 140 mates and couples with ahorizontally placed temple socket 85 in a similar fashion to theembodiments shown in FIGS. 8 through 10.

[0076] Nose Mount

[0077]FIGS. 13 and 14 show additional embodiments of the invention wherethe eyewear platform and the lens frame connect and couple at aninterface 305 at the nose bridge 175 or the center 180 of the eyeglasses5. The lens frame has at least one lens 185. Depending on the eyewearapparatus design and functional need, this invention can be applied toeyewear with one lens or multiple lenses. For multiple lenses, a lensconnector 190 connects the lenses 185, 185′ together in the lens frame10. The lens frame 10 has a lens connector contact surface 195 and atleast one magnet 200. The eyewear platform 15 has an eyewear bridgeattachment surface 205 and at least one magnet 210.

[0078] To connect the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15, the userwill mate and couple the magnet 210 of the eyewear bridge attachmentsurface 205 with the magnet 200 of the lens connector contact surface195 at an interface 305 so that said magnets 210 and 200 are aligned andprovide effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becominginvoluntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15.

[0079] In FIG. 13, the lens frame 10 fits on top of the eyewear platform15; in FIG. 14, the lens frame 10 fits underneath the eyewear platform15. As a result, depending on the embodiment, in the eyewear apparatus,the lens frame 10 can be at a first elevation and the eyewear bridge 15can be at a second elevation. If the lens frame fits on top of theeyewear platform, as in FIG. 13, the lens connector contact surface 195is at a higher elevation relative to the elevation of the eyewear bridgeattachment surface 205. Accordingly if the lens frame 10 fits underneaththe eyewear bridge 15, as in FIG. 14, the lens connector contact surface195 is at a lower elevation than the elevation of the eyewear bridgeattachment surface 205.

[0080] This magnetic connection at the nose bridge or center of theeyeglasses can be combined with any of the attachment apparatus andmethods described in this application.

[0081] Prong at Nose

[0082]FIGS. 15 and 16 show additional embodiments where the lens frameis removably connected to the eyewear platform at the nose bridge with aprong that can be mounted on either the eyewear platform or the lensframe. FIG. 15 shows the eyewear platform having an eyewear platformprong 215 with at least one eyewear platform prong surface 220. Theeyewear platform prong 215 also has at least one magnet 225 and aplurality of digits 230; FIG. 15 shows the prong 215 with two magnets225 and two digits 230. These digits 230 form a space 235 within theeyewear platform prong 215 to fit around the lens connector 190 on thelens frame 10. The lens connector 190 has at least one lens connectorcontact surface 195 and at least one magnet 200 in the lens connector190. FIG. 15 shows one magnet 200 that passes through the lens connector190 to mate with the magnets 225 on the eyewear platform prong 215. Aswith the embodiments discussed above, the magnets on the eyewearplatform and the lens frame need to be oriented and aligned with respectto one another so that the magnets contact and provide effectiveresistance from the lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached fromthe eyewear platform. Also, there can be more than two digits 230 on theeyewear platform prong.

[0083]FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the prong-type attachment. Thelens frame 10 has a lens connector 190 with a lens connector prong 240with at least one lens connector contact surface 195 and at least onemagnet 200 in the lens connector 190. The lens connector prong 240 has aplurality of digits 245, which form a space 250 within the lensconnector prong 240. The eyewear platform 15 has a platform noseextension 255 located near the center 180 of the eyewear or eyeglasses 5and corresponds to the location of the lens connector prong 240 on thelens frame 10. The platform nose extension 255 has an extension surface260 and at least one magnet 265. The platform nose extension 255 fitswithin the space 250 within the lens connector prong 240. As shown inFIG. 16, to connect the lens frame 10, which has at least one lens 185,to the eyewear platform 15, the user aligns the magnets 200 in the lensconnector prong 240 with the magnet 210 in the eyewear platform noseextension 255 at an interface 305 so that said magnets provide effectiveresistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detachedfrom said eyewear platform 15.

[0084] As with the embodiments described above, the prong-typeattachment located at the center 180 or at the terminal ends of theeyewear or eyeglasses can be combined with the other embodiments of theinvention as shown in FIGS. 1-13. These embodiments can be combined withnon-magnetic attachment devices such as clips, snaps, clasps, hooks,straps, or Velcro attachments as well.

[0085]FIGS. 17 through 25 show another group of embodiments of theinvention. The lens frame 10 is removably connected to an eyewearplatform 15 having two temple extensions 40. The eyewear platform 15 hasat least one eyewear platform attachment surface or platform contactsurface 270 and at least one magnet 275. The lens frame 10 has at leastone lens 20, at least one lens frame contact surface 280, and at leastone magnet 285. The lens frame 10 can be removably attached to theeyewear platform 15 with simply one magnet, which can be located oneither the eyewear platform or the lens frame, at an interface 305.

[0086] In FIG. 17, the eyewear platform 15 has several magnets that arepresent on the platform contact surface 270. These magnets 275 areplaced and oriented to mate and to couple the several magnets 285 on thelens frame 10 and the lens frame contact surface 280. FIG. 18 shows thatdepending on the particular style of the eyewear, there can be at leastone platform contact surface 270 and at least one lens frame contactsurface 280.

[0087] This eyeglass invention allows the platform contact surface 270to couple or to mate with the lens frame contact surface 280 at aninterface 305. As a result, the lens frame 10 is capable of removablyengaging the eyewear platform 15 so as to permit a user, who is wearingthe eyewear platform 15, to see through the lenses 20, and a user maychange the lenses 20 of the eyeglasses to suit the user's needs.Further, this invention allows the lens frame 10 to be removablyconnected to the eyewear platform 15 with at least one magnet at aninterface 305 between the contact surfaces.

[0088] Additionally, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-24 and 27-30,there are at least two magnets (one magnet on the lens frame and anothermagnet on the eyewear platform) mated and paired with one another. Inthe alternative, this invention is not limited to having two magnetsmated and paired with one another. This mounting of the lens frame tothe eyewear platform can be accomplished with only one magnet on eitherthe lens frame or the eyewear platform. A single magnet can attach to areceiving metallic surface. As a result, the lens frame 10 can beremovably connected to the eyewear platform 15 with at least one magnetat the interface between the contact surfaces.

[0089]FIGS. 19 through 24 show different embodiments of attachmentsavailable for this invention. In all of these embodiments, a lens frame10 is removably attached to an eyewear platform 15 with at least onemagnet. FIGS. 19 and 20 show the lens frame removably mounted above andpartially over the eyewear platform. In this embodiment, the lens framehas more than one lens frame contact surface 280 and fits like a shelfover the eyewear platform, which has more than one eyewear platformattachment surface. The magnets on both the eyewear platform and thelens frame can be placed on different locations so that said magnets arealigned providing effective resistance from said lens frame frombecoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the lens frame 10 can be removablyattached to the eyewear platform 15 wherein the appendage socket 45reaches over the platform arm 80 and the temple socket 85 such that theappendage socket magnet 60 aligns and couples with the temple socketmagnet 100 at an interface 305 and said magnets provide effectiveresistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detachedfrom said eyewear platform 15. The interface 305 is parallel with theface of the user or the lenses.

[0091] In addition, in another embodiment, the appendage socket 45 canalso reach under the platform arm 80 and the temple socket 85 such thatthe appendage socket magnet 60 aligns and couples with the temple socketmagnet 100 at an interface 305 and said magnets provide effectiveresistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detachedfrom said eyewear platform 15. Also, the interface between the magnetsis parallel with the face of the user or the lenses.

[0092] Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, theembodiments of FIG. 29 and 30 also have the lens frame 10 and anextension of the lens connector 190 to reach either over or under thecenter 180 of the eyeglasses 5, such that the lens frame magnet 200aligns and couples with the magnet 210 of the eyewear bridge attachmentsurface 205 at an interface 305 and said magnets provide effectiveresistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detachedfrom said eyewear platform 15. In FIGS. 27 through 30, the interface 305is parallel with the face of the user or the lenses 185.

[0093] Clip Attachment

[0094] As shown in FIG. 25, the lens frame 10 can be easily attached tothe eyewear platform 15 with clips 290. FIG. 25 shows two clips 290located on the lens frame 10. There can be a multiple number of clips290 located at different locations on the lens frame 10. These clips 290mate and removably connect the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15.The embodiment shows that the removable lens frame and eyewear platformassembly can be employed without the use of non-magnetic attachments.However, these clips 290 or other non-magnetic attachments may be usedin combination with magnets to removably attach the lens frame 10 to theeyewear platform 15. As a result, the lens frame 10 can be removablyconnected to the eyewear platform 15 with at least one clip attachmentat the interface 305 between the contact surfaces.

[0095] Plug Attachment

[0096] As shown in FIG. 26, the lens frame 10 can be easily attached tothe eyewear platform 15 with a piece or plug 295 on the ends of the lensframe 10; this piece or plug 295 mates and fill a space defined by aslot or channel 300, which are parallel with a horizontal axis formed bythe temple extensions. This piece or plug 295 can fit securely withinthese slots or channels 300 to provide effective resistance from thelens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewearplatform 15. This attachment embodiment can be used with or without theother attachment devices: magnets, clips, straps, clasps, or Velcro asdescribed above.

[0097] In the alternative, each of said platform prongs has a piece or aplug 295 as well. This piece or plug 295 mate and connect with channelsor slots on said appendage of said terminal lens frame end; thesechannels define a space wherein said piece or plug of said platformprong can fit securely and provide effective resistance from said lensframe from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform.

[0098] Materials

[0099] The eyewear platform and lens frame can be made of a variety ofmaterials including but not limited to metals, alloys, carbon fibers,plastics and other lightweight and strong composite materials. Inaddition, the eyewear platform and lens frame can also be made ofmaterials that allow a certain amount of resilience, elasticity, or“give” to enable the eyewear to be able to take the rigors of a use.Both the eyewear platform and the lens frame can assume a variety ofshapes and sizes depending on the specific design or need of the user.Also, both the eyewear platform and lens frame can be each made of onepiece.

[0100] Also, this invention allows for effective and easy replacement ofsafety glasses and eyewear. By allowing for removable attachment of alens frame with safety lenses, it is possible for the user to easilywear and to change safety lenses after these lenses become dirty,scratched, or broken. Also, the user will save money in simply replacingthis lens frame instead of the entire safety eyeglasses.

[0101] While the invention as described in connection with its preferredembodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit theinvention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to coverall alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

I claim:
 1. Eyeglasses comprising: an eyewear platform and a lens frame;said eyewear platform including two temple extensions capable of beingplaced over a user's ears, and a bridge portion pivotally connected toeach of said temple extensions wherein said bridge portion is capable ofresting on a user's nose to permit said eyewear platform to be worn by auser; said lens frame having lenses mounted within said frame; and, saidlens frame is magnetically attachable to said eyewear platform so as topermit a user wearing said eyewear platform to see through said lens,whereby a user may change the lenses of the eyeglasses to suit theuser's needs.
 2. The eyeglasses of claim 1 wherein said eyewear platformincludes a platform contact surface and said lens frame includes a lensframe contact surface wherein said platform and said lens frame contactsurfaces are capable of coupling with each other.
 3. The eyeglasses ofclaim 2 wherein said lens frame is removably connected to said eyewearplatform with at least one magnet at the interface between said contactsurfaces.
 4. The eyeglasses of claim 2 wherein said lens frame isremovably connected to said eyewear platform with at least one clipattachment at the interface between said contact surfaces.
 5. Theeyeglasses of claim 1 wherein said eyewear platform further comprises atleast one nose pad located near a midpoint of said eyewear platform.